Kansas

Population & Demographics

State: Kansas | Capital: Topeka | Population (2024 est.): ~2.9 million | Region: Midwest / Central United States


Kansas, located in the heart of the United States, serves as a key transportation and logistics hub for the Midwest. While the state is landlocked, its extensive rail system, interstate highways, and proximity to major regional distribution centers support the efficient movement of containerized goods. Kansas plays a vital role in agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial logistics, making containerized storage essential for businesses across the state.

Major Cities

  1. Wichita – Largest city; industrial, manufacturing, and logistics hub.

  2. Overland Park – Corporate offices and warehouse distribution.

  3. Kansas City, KS – Part of the Kansas City metro area; port-related trucking and logistics.

  4. Topeka – State capital; government operations and industrial support.

  5. Olathe – Corporate logistics and warehousing.

  6. Lawrence – Technology and light industrial logistics.

  7. Shawnee – Distribution and corporate offices.

  8. Salina – Industrial and transportation hub.

  9. Manhattan – Manufacturing and research-related storage.

  10. Hutchinson – Agricultural and industrial logistics.

  • Major Companies in Kansas

    Kansas hosts significant companies in manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace, and logistics:

    Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita) – Aerospace parts manufacturing and global exports.

    Cargill (Wichita / Dodge City) – Agricultural products, food processing, and containerized shipping.

    Garmin (Olathe) – Electronics, manufacturing, and logistics.

    Koch Industries (Wichita) – Industrial products, chemical distribution, and containerized logistics.

    Sprint / T-Mobile HQ (Overland Park) – Corporate logistics support.

    BNSF Railway (Kansas City, KS area operations) – Freight and intermodal container transport.

    Textron Aviation (Wichita) – Aerospace manufacturing and export logistics.

    Great Plains Manufacturing (Salina) – Industrial equipment and shipping.

    Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Topeka) – Food production and distribution.

    Meritrust Credit Union (Wichita) – Corporate logistics and support services.

    These companies utilize containerized storage, intermodal transport, and warehousing solutions to manage products, raw materials, and equipment efficiently.

  • Imports, Exports, and Container Transportation in Kansas

    Major Ports & Logistics

    Although Kansas is landlocked, it benefits from rail, trucking, and nearby river ports for the movement of containerized goods:

    Rail Access: Kansas is served by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, connecting Kansas industries to the West Coast, Gulf Coast, and Midwest ports.

    Trucking: Interstate highways I-70, I-35, I-135, and I-435 provide efficient container transport to distribution centers and regional ports.

    Nearby Ports: Kansas companies often use Missouri River ports in Kansas City, MO, and Gulf Coast ports for imports and exports.

    Typical Imports:

    Industrial machinery, electronics, chemicals, and manufactured goods.

    Typical Exports:

    Agricultural products (wheat, corn, soybeans), machinery, aerospace parts, and food products.

    Means of Transportation

    Trucking:

    Extensive highway system supports rapid container transport across Kansas and to neighboring states.

    Rail Freight:

    BNSF and Union Pacific provide intermodal container transport, linking Kansas to national and international markets.

    Air Freight:

    Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and regional airports support high-value, time-sensitive cargo.

    River & Port Shipping (Indirect):

    Containers are often transported to nearby river ports (Missouri River, Kansas City) for onward shipping to Gulf Coast or international ports.

  • Common Uses of Storage Containers in Kansas

    1. Construction & Industrial Projects

    Containers are used on construction sites statewide to store tools, materials, and equipment.

    2. Manufacturing & Warehousing

    Factories and warehouses use containers for raw materials, spare parts, and inventory overflow.

    3. Agriculture & Farm Storage

    Containers provide storage for harvested crops, seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment.

    4. Retail & Seasonal Storage

    Retailers use containers for seasonal inventory, temporary warehouse expansion, and pop-up locations.

    5. Municipal & Emergency Storage

    Cities store road maintenance equipment, emergency response materials, and public works supplies.

    6. Residential & Personal Use

    Homeowners and contractors rent containers for moving, renovations, or temporary storage.

    7. Events & Entertainment

    Containers serve as secure storage for fairs, festivals, sporting events, and community projects.

Why Containers Work So Well in Kansas

  • Durable: Steel construction withstands Midwest weather, including snow, rain, and wind.

  • Secure: Lockable containers protect tools, inventory, and equipment.

  • Flexible & Mobile: Easily relocated between ports, warehouses, and construction sites.

  • Cost-Effective: More affordable than building permanent storage facilities.

  • Scalable: Ideal for industrial, agricultural, municipal, commercial, and residential needs.

Kansas’ central location, extensive rail and highway network, and proximity to regional ports make it a critical state for container logistics and storage solutions. From industrial sites in Wichita and Salina to warehouses, distribution centers, and construction projects statewide, containers provide secure, versatile, and cost-effective storage for businesses, municipalities, and residents.

Whether managing a construction project, warehouse, manufacturing operation, or farm storage, container rentals in Kansas offer the flexibility, durability, and reliability needed to meet storage and shipping demands across the state.